On March 16, 1991, a Cessna 172RG (registration N6439) operated by California Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Buckeye, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT OF THE AIRPLANE EXCEEDING THE CERTIFICATED NEVER EXCEED VELOCITY. THE OVERLOADING OF THE WING ATTACHMENT FITTINGS WHILE MANEUVERING WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Cessna 172RG rented by two pilots broke up in flight; wreckage scattered over half a mile. The left wing separated upward, striking and fracturing the cabin and right wing.
Accident Overview
Two pilots returned to the area where they had previously obtained their pilot training and rented a Cessna 172RG to revisit the training areas. The airplane's wreckage was later found in a semi-remote area, strewn over a half mile.
Examination Findings
Examination of the wreckage disclosed that the left wing's wing-to-fuselage attach fitting separated in an upward direction. The fracture surfaces displayed positive overload characteristics. The upper cabin section and right wing broke up after being struck by the left wing during the inflight breakup.
Weather Conditions
Weather studies revealed that visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Information
The airplane is not certificated for aerobatic flight.